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"Our over-reliance on cars and $4-per-gallon gasoline has led us to dig a really deep hole for ourselves. The Purple Line is the ladder that helps us climb up out of this hole toward the light of rational land use, friendly commutes and a stable climate." Mike Tidwell, director of CCAN |  |
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January 16, 2008 Governor Martin O’Malley, Lt. Governor Brown and MDOT Secretary John Porcari joined Purple Line supporters in Annapolis on Lawyer’s Mall today to affirm the administration’s commitment of $100 million for preliminary engineering of the Purple Line project. The Governor proclaimed that “Today, we put 100 million in our budget for the Purple Line. Today is a Great Day for Transit in Maryland.” Lt. Governor Brown proclaimed: “Not only do I support the Purple Line between Bethesda and New Carrollton, I want to see that puppy wrap all around the D.C. area and across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.” The news was greeted ecstatically by the many members of the Prince George’s and Montgomery County delegations in attendance. Large majorities of both delegations are on now on record in support of the Purple Line and speakers pointed to a variety of reasons for supporting the project. Dels. Bill Bronrott (D-16) and Justin Ross (D-22), co-organizers of the event, reviewed the long history of the project, and were followed by the Chair of the Prince George’s and Montgomery County House Delegations, Barbara Frush and Brian Feldman. Del. Frush prefaced her remarks with a prayer for Senator Gwen Britt, a strong Purple Line supporter who passed away suddenly on January 14, 2008. Following remarks by the leaders, various representatives made brief statements. Dels. Doyle Niemann and Victor Ramirez (D-47) pointed to the critical need in the Takoma/Langley Crossroads area for access to transit. Susan Lee (D-16) also referenced the transit needy, pointing to how some people need to take 2-3 buses to get to their jobs. Del. Tawanna Gaines (D-22), the Co-chair of the County's House Delegation, spoke to the importance of the Purple Line for all of Prince George’s. Del. Craig Rice and Jim Gilchrist (D-17) making a similar point with respect to Montgomery – noting that congestion on 270 is increasing and the Purple Line will give some people a realistic alternative to come down the Red Line corridor from Rockville and other points along that corridor and transfer for a quick ride to Silver Spring. Del. Jolene Ivy (D-7) stated that the “Purple Line is helping to strengthen the weakest link we have in our current metrorail system.” Del. Heather Mizeur (D-20) led a cheer for the Governor prior to his arrival, with her District 20 colleague Tom Hucker pointing to the tremendous need in that district which is home of the highest concentration of low-income residents in Montgomery County. “This is the largest amount that various versions of the Purple Line have gotten thus far over the 22 year history of the project” proclaimed Purple Line NOW! President Harry Sanders, adding that: “This funding commitment will ensure that the momentum created by the current administration accelerates over the coming years.” The Purple Line recently received a boost when the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) issued preliminary ridership forecasts of between 42,000 and 47,000 daily riders, well above ridership for most light rail lines that have been approved by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in recent years. If FTA determines that the Purple Line is determined is cost effective, Maryland could receive more than half a billion dollars of federal funds for construction of the project which could be completed in 2013. “The Purple Line is an environmentally responsible way of providing mobility choices for residents of two important Maryland counties. It fits into our State’s proactive response to the crisis of global warming and the related concern of our citizens about Sustainability” stated Purple Line NOW! Chair Webb Smedley, referencing the Environmental rally being held at the same location at 11 AM on 1/17/08. Senator Jamie Raskin (D-20) and Del. Bill Frick (D-16) also alluded to the environmental importance of the Purple Line, with Senator Raskin stating that “Global Warming is an entirely new context for us. We’ve got to consider it in all our decisions”. |
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68,000 riders each weekday is huge! Counting down to completion of Purple Line DEIS; Latest news: Latest News; How you can help 
See: We need you to help keep the Purple Line a state and county priority. Write a letter, make a call or send an e-mail in support of the Purple Line today. See: Contact List |
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